Feds address Facebook 'privacy breach'

"Given the number of current users, the rate at which that number grows worldwide, and the age range of Facebook users, combined with the amount and the nature of information these users place in Facebook's trust, this series of breaches of consumer privacy is a cause for concern."

"We look forward to addressing any confusion that has resulted from the Wall Street Journal article and we're happy to work with Reps. Markey and Barton to answer any questions they may have. Facebook is committed to safeguarding private data while letting people enjoy meaningful social experiences with their friends. As our privacy policy states, when a Facebook user connects with an application, the user ID is part of the information that the application receives. The suggestion that the passing of a user ID to an application, as described in Facebook's privacy policy, constitutes a "breach" is curious at best. We also prohibit applications from transferring user data to ad networks or data brokers, and when we receive a report that such an improper transfer has occurred, we investigate and take action as appropriate. We are continually working with developers and other responsible parties in the community to put in place further safeguards against violations of our terms."

"If you do stuff online, people are tracking it and putting it into a database and trying to sell you stuff based on that. There’s not much you can do about it except not be online. And it’s not all that bad, really, to get ads for diapers when you’re having a baby, or ads for cars when you are looking to buy a car. Life will go on."

"Facebook reassures privacy-conscious users by pointing to the developer agreement that requires app providers to take strong steps to protect privacy. But given that Facebook apps have been found to be leaking data that Facebook promised to protect five months ago, it's obvious that Facebook has no way of effectively enforcing those rules for the countless apps on the Facebook Platform. "Facebook simply can't claim that apps are safe to use when serious privacy issues around apps -- like this referrer security breach -- are abundant and endemic."